hockey

Recently, I had one of the best weekends I've had in quite awhile.  My husband, girls, and I went to Altoona, WI over the weekend for a hockey tournament.  A tournament that the U10, Western Wisconsin Starts took first place in.  Now mind you, I did not grow up around hockey and never really cared to watch or learn about the game, until now.  My eight year old daughter definitely got the 'hockey genes' from her dad because she loves it; watching it, learning it, playing it, ALL of it.  To see her face light up with joy when the subject of hockey comes up is priceless.  She scored her first goal the second game of the tournament.

Lauren scoring her first goal



 

It was quite an emotional moment for her, me, and her assistant coach (dad). I don't  know who was more proud; her, me or dad!!


Lauren and dad (Asst coach)
 

Western Wisconsin Stars U10



I can't say that I love hockey or that I know all there is to know about the game, but I CAN say that I have learned a ton, made some great friends, and look forward to many more goals.  I am a proud mom and wife.  I don't know if my daughter will be the next 'hockey great,' but I know that she is happy and loves what she does.  And that fills me with great joy!



abundant blessings

Where does the time go??  The days and weeks fly by.  The hard moments and tears melt away when you allow yourself to fully live in the present and see the blessings, even the smallest blessings, and let them sustain/strengthen you.  Here are some of the more recent blessings t our home. 

In November, my husband and I were both offered new jobs on the same day = blessed!  A few weeks ago, we hired a great nanny who is willing to help us with our kiddos even though she has to wake up at the crack of dawn some days = blessed!

Watching our eight year old play hockey with some great young ladies on the Stars U10 team = blessed! 

Putting up and decorating our Christmas tree; love the aroma of fresh pine this time of year = blessed!

Baking Christmas cookies and other goodies for gifting and for eating = blessed!

I know it is easy to allow ourselves to get overwhelmed or bogged-down with negativity and completely miss the blessings. For that reason, I have already made my resolution for the up-coming year; find the positive/blessing in everyday!  Sounds simple enough, but I know I will be challenged. 

Merry Christmas!

another year

Does anyone give birthday gifts to themselves??  I do, but I'm not actually buying myself a gift.  I'm giving myself some "me time."  This morning, I took 45 minutes to enjoy my coffee (with creamer for my birthday), read my devotional, and meditate on the up-coming year.  I got to do all of this in quite solitude.  It was my little slice of birthday bliss.  Thank you Coffee-mate for adding a little sweetness to my day.
This afternoon, some quality time with my mom...can't wait!

Quick prayer

I read this in my twitter feed this morning from @GodPosts.  It really touched me and I have to share it.  Not only did I repost on my twitter feed, but I want to share it here too.  May it touch you and give you something to lean on. 

 

 

Father in Heaven,

Today I choose to release everything that has tried to hold me back. I release the past; I release bitterness; I release failures and missed opportunities. Instead, I embrace your grace and power to boldly move forward into the blessings you have for me.

In Jesus' name! Amen.

Because I have been really "down in the dumps" lately, I have to get out of my rut.  This is what I need to concentrate on...happy moments, praise God; difficult moments, seek God; quite moments, worship God; painful moments, trust God; every moment, thank God!
God knows our lives...beginning to end.  There is nothing about us that he doesn't know.   I have to remember this; if He brings you to it, He will bring you through it. 

once in awhile

Once in awhile, we all get into a mood...depressed, woe is me, poor me, and on and on.  And that is exactly how I've felt for the past couple days.  I kept thinking how nothing is going right and why is everything bad happening to me.  I couldn't get past the negative; all I could see was what I didn't like or what was wrong with life or my current situation. 
My ever-patient husband suggested, once again, that I think about the good things; the "things" that put a smile on my face or bring me a little joy.  Rather than just thinking about them, I'm writing them down this time. 
Sure, the things here are not the only things that bring me joy and certainly will never compare to my family, friends and the good Lord, but none the less, here they are. 
On the days I forget to count my blessings and see the good things that God has placed in my life, I can look back here and realize; everything is going to be okay. 

A relaxing walk to clear your mind

cheery tulips





Yummy!

great conversation and good wine



escape into a good book

Judgement

Why must we continue to criticize or judge others when the choices they make don't fit with our ideals?  Rather than criticize, question the choice; you may learn something.  Isn't asking a question better than making a judgement?  Perhaps the choice made was due to lack of information or knowledge.  Maybe the choice made was out of fear.  Or just maybe, at that moment, there were no other options.  We've all had to make hard choices.  I don't know anyone who could say every choice they've made has been the correct choice.  We all know we've made choices that we regret or that we are not proud of.  And we know that it feels bad to be judged because of those choices.  Yet we continue to cast judgement on others.
Rather than hurting others with our actions and words, let's work to help one another make better or different choices.  Even in a 'perfect' world, not everyone's choices will match ohter's ideals.   Educate the less educated. Love the unloved. Help the helpless.  Because I struggle with this too, this is my help - Matthew 7: 1-2

Wedded bliss

I am so blessed!  Today is our 10th wedding anniversary and I am so in love.  Our first ten years have been happy, sad, challenging, exciting, and full of love.  I am so excited for the coming years because I get to spend them with the love of my life.  He urges me to be more; more patient, more giving, more relaxed, more understanding, and more spontaneous.  He has made me better than I was and I hope I can do the same. 

Summertime fun

Leif Erickson Park in Duluth, MN

With summer quickly fading and fall nearly upon us, here is a peek at some of the beauty that I experienced.


Goosebury Falls State Park, MN

 

MN State Fair with our kiddos

Relaxation around a bonfire





A beautiful flower in one of our many flower beds at home